New York Red Bulls vs Alianza FC Preview

Elmer Abarca (R) of Salvadorean team Alianza F.C. fights for the ball with Gonzalo Veron (L) of New York Red Bulls during a CONCACAF Champions League football match at the Cuscatlan Stadium in San Salvador on August 16, 2016. / AFP / MARVIN RECINOS (Photo credit should read MARVIN RECINOS/AFP/Getty Images)

This is a big week for the New York Red Bulls. After last Sunday, where the Red Bulls saw another 2-0 lead disappear within minutes against D.C. United, New York came off the field to a cascade of boos at Red Bull Arena. This week, New York will be poised to show they are still very much a talented side.

Before heading North of the border this weekend to face Toronto F.C, the Red Bulls will resume CONCACAF Champions League play. This will be New York’s third of four group stage games. The Red Bulls will be facing off against Alianza FC for the second time. Last time out, the two sides played to a 1-1 draw down in El Salvador with Omer Damari being the Red Bulls lone goal scorer.

New York Red Bulls vs Alianza FC Preview

Players to Watch:

Any New York Red Bulls II Player to See Action

Through the first two Champions League matches, Manager Jesse Marsch has been confident in giving members of the New York Red Bulls II team a shot. This will most certainly be the case again. Due to the short turnaround from the match last Sunday, along with a big match this weekend against against Toronto FC, there will be many academy players getting some solid playing time with the senior team. As stated many time by the Raising Bulls Podcast crew, “these are talented individuals capable of great things”

Gonzalo Veron

Veron made good of the opportunity Marsch gave him starting for the suspended Mike Grella. After a very solid performance all-around, as well as tacking on a goal, I expect Marsch to go to Veron again. Ever so desperate to crack the starting XI, Veron will surely be ready to prove he has much more to give then he has shown so far.

Daniel Royer

Royer was another one to make good of the opportunity of getting the start last Sunday against D.C. Despite not scoring, Royer was a constant threat and danger man for the New York attack and tallied an assist. Proving he is adapting rather quickly to life in MLS, Royer is another who I feel will have a very strong performance and show why he should also be in the Red Bulls Starting XI.

Predicted Lineup

Prediction:

This is a big match for the Red Bulls. Utilizing a good amount of reserves, I expect these players to come out strong. A lot of players in this lineup will feel they have something to prove. A win for the Red Bulls in this match would be historic. A defeat of Alianza F.C would clinch Group F for the Red Bulls. This would put New York into the knockout round of the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time in club history. I expect a win on the eve of a historic feat.